Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. Shepherd Your peopleThe term "Shepherd" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew word "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which means to tend, to pasture, or to lead. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a shepherd was not only a caretaker of sheep but also a leader and protector. This imagery is frequently used in the Bible to describe God's relationship with His people, emphasizing His guidance, provision, and protection. The call for God to "Shepherd Your people" is a plea for divine leadership and care, reflecting a deep trust in God's ability to guide His people through difficult times. with Your staff
The "staff" (Hebrew: "מַטֶּה" - matteh) is a symbol of authority and guidance. In the life of a shepherd, the staff was an essential tool used for directing and protecting the flock. Biblically, it represents God's authority and His active role in guiding His people. The staff is a comforting symbol, reminding believers of God's constant presence and His ability to lead them through life's challenges. the flock of Your inheritance
The "flock" (Hebrew: "צֹאן" - tson) signifies the people of Israel, whom God has chosen as His own. The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: "נַחֲלָה" - nachalah) indicates a possession or heritage. This phrase underscores the special relationship between God and His people, highlighting their status as His treasured possession. It reflects the covenantal bond and the promise of God's enduring faithfulness to His chosen ones. who dwell by themselves in a forest
The phrase "dwell by themselves" suggests a sense of isolation or separation, possibly indicating a period of exile or a time when the people felt distant from God. The "forest" (Hebrew: "יַעַר" - ya'ar) can symbolize a place of uncertainty or danger, yet it is also a place where God can provide refuge and sustenance. This imagery evokes the idea of God’s people being set apart, yet under His watchful care even in challenging environments. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead
"Bashan" and "Gilead" were regions known for their fertile lands and abundant resources. Historically, these areas were renowned for their rich pastures and livestock. The call to "feed" in these regions is a metaphor for divine provision and blessing. It reflects a longing for restoration and abundance, reminiscent of the prosperity experienced during Israel's past. as in the days of old
This phrase evokes a sense of nostalgia and hope, recalling the times when Israel experienced God's favor and blessings. It is a yearning for a return to the former days of peace and prosperity under God's guidance. The reference to "the days of old" serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and a hopeful expectation of His continued provision and care for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MicahA prophet in the 8th century BC, Micah delivered messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. 2. The People of GodReferred to as "the flock of Your inheritance," this represents the Israelites, God's chosen people. 3. ShepherdA metaphor for God, who is asked to guide and protect His people. 4. BashanA region known for its fertile land and rich pastures, symbolizing abundance and blessing. 5. GileadAnother region known for its balm and fertile land, representing healing and prosperity. Teaching Points God as ShepherdRecognize God's role as the ultimate guide and protector in our lives. Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, God is intimately involved in our well-being. The Flock of His InheritanceUnderstand our identity as God's people, chosen and cherished by Him. This identity calls us to live in a way that reflects His love and holiness. Provision and AbundanceTrust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem barren. The reference to Bashan and Gilead reminds us of God's ability to provide abundantly. Spiritual SolitudeEmbrace times of solitude with God, as the Israelites dwelt "alone in a forest." These moments can be fertile ground for spiritual growth and renewal. Historical FaithfulnessReflect on God's faithfulness "as in the days of old." Remembering past faithfulness can strengthen our trust in His future promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Micah 7:14 enhance your understanding of His character and care for you? 2. In what ways can you identify with being part of "the flock of Your inheritance"? How does this identity influence your daily life? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a "fertile pasture." How can this memory encourage you in current challenges? 4. How can you create space for spiritual solitude in your life, and what benefits might this bring to your relationship with God? 5. Consider the historical context of God's faithfulness to Israel. How can recalling God's past faithfulness help you trust Him with your future? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This psalm also uses the shepherd imagery to describe God's guidance and provision for His people. John 10Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, connecting the Old Testament imagery to His role in the New Testament. Ezekiel 34God promises to shepherd His people Himself, highlighting His care and commitment to their well-being. Isaiah 40:11Describes God as a shepherd who gathers and gently leads His flock, emphasizing His tender care. Jeremiah 50:19Speaks of God bringing His people back to their pasture, similar to the imagery of Bashan and Gilead. People Jacob, MicahPlaces Assyria, Bashan, Bethlehem, Egypt, Euphrates River, GileadTopics Ago, Alone, Bashan, Carmel, Dwell, Dwelling, Dwells, Enjoy, Feed, Fertile, Field, Flock, Forest, Fruitful, Garden, Gilead, Heritage, Inheritance, Itself, Middle, Midst, Past, Pasture, Pasturelands, Possession, Rod, Rule, Safe, Scepter, Shepherd, Solitarily, Staff, Tend, Themselves, Wood, Woodland, WoodsDictionary of Bible Themes Micah 7:14 1220 God, as shepherd
4448 forests
4512 staff
7130 flock, God's
7141 people of God, OT
8136 knowing God, effects Library Whether a Sin is Aggravated by Reason of the Condition of the Person against whom it is Committed?
Objection 1: It would seem that sin is not aggravated by reason of the condition of the person against whom it is committed. For if this were the case a sin would be aggravated chiefly by being committed against a just and holy man. But this does not aggravate a sin: because a virtuous man who bears a wrong with equanimity is less harmed by the wrong done him, than others, who, through being scandalized, are also hurt inwardly. Therefore the condition of the person against whom a sin is committed …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether we Ought to Love those who are Better More those who are More Closely United Us?
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to love those who are better more than those who are more closely united to us. For that which is in no way hateful seems more lovable than that which is hateful for some reason: just as a thing is all the whiter for having less black mixed with it. Now those who are connected with us are hateful for some reason, according to Lk. 14:26: "If any man come to Me, and hate not his father," etc. On the other hand good men are not hateful for any reason. Therefore …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Prophecy is a Habit?
Objection 1: It would seem that prophecy is a habit. For according to Ethic. ii, 5, "there are three things in the soul, power, passion, and habit." Now prophecy is not a power, for then it would be in all men, since the powers of the soul are common to them. Again it is not a passion, since the passions belong to the appetitive faculty, as stated above ([3658]FS, Q[22] , A[2]); whereas prophecy pertains principally to knowledge, as stated in the foregoing Article. Therefore prophecy is a habit. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with Another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His
1 John i. 7.--"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Art is the imitation of nature, and true religion is a divine art, that consists in the imitation of God himself, the author of nature. Therefore it is a more high and transcendent thing, of a sublimer nature than all the arts and sciences among men. Those reach but to some resemblance of the wisdom of God, expressed in his works, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning My God Will Hear Me
"Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you. Blessed are all they that wait for Him. He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee."--ISA. xxx. 18, 19. "The Lord will hear when I call upon Him."--PS. iv. 3. "I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God!"--PS. xvii. 6. "I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me."--MIC. vii. 7. The power of prayer rests in the faith …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
WE shall consider, first, what things work for good to the godly; and here we shall show that both the best things and the worst things work for their good. We begin with the best things. 1. God's attributes work for good to the godly. (1). God's power works for good. It is a glorious power (Col. i. 11), and it is engaged for the good of the elect. God's power works for good, in supporting us in trouble. "Underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. xxxiii. 27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den? …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial The Morning Light
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. O ne strong internal proof that the Bible is a divine revelation, may be drawn from the subject matter; and particularly that it is the book, and the only book, that teaches us to …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Rest for the Weary
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. W hich shall we admire most -- the majesty, or the grace, conspicuous in this invitation? How soon would the greatest earthly monarch be impoverished, and his treasures utterly exhausted, if all, that are poor and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their wants and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions and millions …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's Ministry - the First Sunday - the First Disciples.
THE forty days, which had passed since Jesus had first come to him, must have been to the Baptist a time of soul-quickening, of unfolding understanding, and of ripened decision. We see it in his more emphasised testimony to the Christ; in his fuller comprehension of those prophecies which had formed the warrant and substance of his Mission; but specially in the yet more entire self-abnegation, which led him to take up a still lowlier position, and acquiescingly to realise that his task of heralding …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting On Earthly Things
The earth is man himself; in the gospel: another has fallen into the good earth. The same in a bad part about the sinner: you devour the earth all the days of your life. [Mark 4:18; Genesis 3:14] The dry lands are the flesh of a fruitless man; in Ecclesiastes, to work in a dry land with evil and sorrow. [Ecclesiastes 37:3] The dust is a sinner or the vanity of the flesh; in the psalm: like the dust, which the wind blows about. [Ps. 1:4 Vulgate] The mud is the gluttony of sinners; in the psalm: tear …
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with an Angry God Because of Sin?
That we may give some satisfaction to this question, we shall, 1. Shew what are the ingredients in this case, or what useth to concur in this distemper. 2. Shew some reasons why the Lord is pleased to dispense thus with his people. 3. Shew how Christ is life to the soul in this case. 4. Shew the believer's duty for a recovery; and, 5. Add a word or two of caution. As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in this distemper: 1. God presenting their sins unto their view, so as …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Links Micah 7:14 NIVMicah 7:14 NLTMicah 7:14 ESVMicah 7:14 NASBMicah 7:14 KJV
Micah 7:14 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
